Overview & Reviews

Subaru is a Japan-based automaker whose recent offerings are both practical and fun to drive. The automaker crafts vehicles whose all-wheel-drive powertrains and available turbochargers facilitate sharp performance. Incongruously, most Subaru vehicles are discreet and versatile enough to serve as competent family haulers, and the brand is known for boasting some of the best crash test scores in the automotive world.

In the early 1950s, a collection of Japanese companies joined to form Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. Its automotive division came to be known as "Subaru," which is a Japanese word meaning "unite." In 1954, the first Subaru car was unveiled. Powered by a four-cylinder engine, the P-1 (its name was later changed to the Subaru 1500) boasted a front-wheel wishbone-type independent suspension and was the first car to feature a monocoque body designed in Japan. Sales were suspended due to challenges associated with funding and support, but Subaru soon resolved its difficulties and rolled out a sibling for its first-born; the 360 was introduced in 1958. Dubbed the Ladybird because of its ladybug shape, the compact 360 proved immensely popular, and remained in production for 12 years.

The 1960s saw the launch of the first Subaru truck. Based on the Subaru 360 platform, the Sambar minitruck offered both compact dimensions (a must for Japan's crowded, narrow streets) and an extremely spacious cargo bed. The truck was soon joined by the Sambar Light Van, a compact van built for both commercial and leisure use. In 1966, the automaker rolled out the 1000, a car that holds the distinction of being the first vehicle to use the drive technology that is the linchpin of current Subaru models: a front-wheel-drive system coupled to a horizontally opposed engine. This setup offered many advantages in handling and performance. By the end of the decade, Subaru North America had been founded, and exports to the United States had begun.

Subaru started the '70s with the introduction of the GL/DL (called the Leone in other markets). The sedan (it was soon joined by a coupe and a station wagon) broke new ground by offering four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability. Up until then, 4WD had only been offered in off-road-oriented vehicles. Coveted for use in the snow and in hilly regions, the GL and DL also benefited from the increasing popularity of outdoor sports like skiing and fishing, and went on to become the world's top-selling 4WD vehicle. In 1977, Subaru rolled out the successful Brat; based on the GL, it was a small car-based pickup whose cargo bed featured a pair of jump seats. More and more, young people were seeking a vehicle designed for an outdoorsy lifestyle, and the rugged Brat was perfectly in step with their needs.

Subaru continued to offer versatile but slightly quirky vehicles through the '80s. It developed the world's first electronically controlled continuously variable transmission. The technology made its debut later that decade in a new Subaru, the tiny Justy economy car. By the end of the '80s, Subaru had given birth to the Legacy, which replaced the outgoing GL/DL (now called the Loyale in the U.S.). Available as both a wagon and a sedan, the Legacy placed an emphasis on performance.

The automaker made a name for itself in motorsports in the 1990s by being the first Japanese marque to win the Manufacturers' title at the World Rally Championship three years in a row. The Subaru family continued to grow during this decade, with the addition of the high-performance SVX, the popular Legacy-based Outback wagon and the sporty Impreza. In the late '90s, General Motors acquired a 20 percent stake in parent company Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI) with the aim of strengthening its presence in foreign markets. This affiliation didn't last long, however, and Toyota currently owns a small percentage of FHI.

Today, Subaru's lineup includes everything from compact trucks to family-friendly wagons to high-performance cars such as the WRX STi. The brand is hailed as a top pick for enthusiasts seeking vehicles that offer a shot of utility with their performance thrills.

User Reviews:

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  Not a bad little car - 2003 Subaru Outback
  By Jim C / NJ - June 2 - 2:00 am

  This is my first non GM car. I like it a lot. I still cant get comfortable in the front seat (Im 6) and the gas mileage isnt as advertised (20-22 combined). There are great touches though but coming from a large SUV - theres things I miss. As for WIND noise - I took off the roof crossbars and it went away. Only minor problems so far. Ill write after more miles are on it but for the price it was a good deal. Cant wait to try AWD in the snow.

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  terrible perofrmance - 2003 Subaru Legacy
  By chris - May 30 - 4:40 pm

  This is a good looking, well appointed car but terrible performance. Sluggish acceleration coupled with terrible gas mileage. Doubtful if I would purchase again.

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  5 time owner ultimately disappointed - 2005 Subaru Legacy
  By Subilove - May 30 - 4:36 pm

  Long time Subaru owner- this 05 Legacy GT-bought new, had for 4.5 yrs & sad; by far a let down, poor quality of electronics & mechanically. So far w/ just 60k miles I have replaced CV half shaft, Power steering pump, stereo, ac unit, main window switch, seat belt unit, tires x2, brakes, the lights by the shifter stopped being lit at 20k & now the power steering is going again & its running warm. She has shifted hard coming out of 1st, it feels like Im being rear-ended =( windshield rattled- dealership fixed. She was well maintained, not ran hard at all. Just a total let down and a reminder never to buy after the release of a new redesign wait a couple years until they get the kinks out.

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  The Wanderer - 2012 Subaru Outback
  By wil12345 - May 26 - 6:39 am

  This car would be perfect if it would only track down the road. This is our 6th Subaru and all the previous Outbacks drove fine. We have had it aligned 3 times, the rack and pinion has been adjusted, but the steering wheel will not return to center when traveling on the highway. Because of this, the car needs constant correction to drive in a straight line. We only have 2700 miles on it and if this problem cant be resolved, this car will be gone and it will be our last Subaru.

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  Piston Slap - 2003 Subaru Forester
  By Duke - May 23 - 1:00 pm

  Bought the Subie a month ago with 62K on the OD. The boxer engines are prone to piston slap and mine was no exception. I bought it stipulating that the piston slap would be remedied and it was (valves were adjusted).The car does what its supposed to do - gets you around with decent gas mileage and sure-footedness in inclement weather. This suv is 6 years old and I am confidant I will still be driving it 6 years from now.

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  NV driver - 2004 Subaru Outback
  By NV driver - May 22 - 5:10 pm

  Outstanding car. The AWD, weight balance, and handling ability in snow make it second to none. I feel safe and confident driving in inclement weather. Car now has 56,000 miles and has been completely trouble free, except for paint during first year. Noticed checking, took to dealer where purchased, was told it was road damage. After nearly a year of hassle, had Subaru DM approve complete repaint of car, no problems since. Check paint carefully! Other disappointment was OnStar changed hardware and so no lonegr works. I plan soon to trade this car for sedan (no longer have need of wagon), will likely be Subaru Legacy; great value for price, and the reliability and performance have me sold.

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  Surprising - 2009 Subaru Forester
  By Pukfan - May 20 - 6:56 pm

  Long time Outback sport owner looking for a replacement - test drove this, Impreza & WRX. A new driving experience that the entire family loves. Moonroof and excellent visibility combined with solid AWD traction is something that just needs to be experienced. Interior well- designed but material seems cheap. Transmission a key addition IMO - manual setting perfect for onramps/passing, off-roads. Tip to buyers - agree on price then say you will buy if dealer throws in accessories (that used to be standard) like cargo cover & tray, nets, etc. Also read the manual - a lot of things can be adjusted that might not consider. Looking forward to another 180,000 miles like I got on my last subaru.

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  Subaru Me - Once More - 2004 Subaru Legacy
  By Jon - May 18 - 9:13 am

  I drive 80 mi a day to the City (elev. 4500 ft) from a a peaceful mountain valley (elev. 6500 ft). Have been doing so for 11 years in my 93 Legacy L AWD Sedan. It now has 290,000 miles and still going strong! I have since retired it to the teenager daughter. Enter my new Subaru. Looking forward to another 10+ years of confident all- weather driving without guzzling gas. Whole family loves Subarus. Dad, Mom and both brothers own one. And now I own two!

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  Awesome car - 2002 Subaru Impreza
  By defduane - May 17 - 10:00 am

  What more could you want in a car? Its so versatile! Lots of power, all wheel drive, space with the wagon, four doors, roof rack, good gas mileage, go anywhere, do anything, beat almost anybody on the road. Smooth pavement, rough pavement, rain, dirt, snow, mud, it doesnt matter. Such a fun car to drive.

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  Good car but expected better from Subaru - 2010 Subaru Impreza
  By Kubus_gt - May 15 - 6:03 pm

  This is a long term rental replacing a Mazda 3. First the Impreza feels more like a Buick, it floats. IÂ’m used a hard suspension with precise steering, I donÂ’t have it here. The car floats over the road, which is nice for long trips, but no fun on twisty roads. The suspension in turns feels every bump and skips instead of holding the car in place. OEM tyres are crap for handling. The Auto tranny doesnÂ’t hold a gear or downshifts on its own going down the hill. The manual shift also does hold the gear (yes it shifts down even though 2 is shown on the dash). Engine has good power, but tranny reduces it. Comfy inside, good layout, nice equipment.